Grok3 AI: Michael Comyn K.C., Options of mining leases in the townlands in which workable minerals may be found in the baronies of Corcomroe, Inchiquin and Burren in County of Clare. 1st April 1926

Parties: Right Hon. Lucius William Lord Baron Inchiquin of first part, Hon. Edward
Donough O’Brien of Oakhill House, Oakhill, in county of Somerset of second part
and Michael Comyn of 9 Northbrook Road, Leeson Park, in county of Dublin,
Esquire, K.C., of third part.
Property: Option of mining leases in any of the townlands in which workable
minerals may be found in the baronies of Corcomroe, Inchiquin and Burren in
county of Clare.
Date: 1 April 1926.
Size: 11pp.
Other: Signed.
Closed until April 2026

Grok3 AI : Response

Option of mining leases in any of the townlands in which workable minerals may be found in the baronies of Corcomroe, Inchiquin and Burren in county of Clare.

The baronies of Corcomroe, Inchiquin, and Burren in County Clare, Ireland, are part of a region with a rich geological history, notably within the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. These areas are known for their limestone landscapes and historical mineral exploration, but information on current mining leases and workable minerals is limited and requires careful consideration of available data.

Geological Context and Mineral Potential

The Burren region, encompassing parts of Corcomroe, Inchiquin, and Burren baronies, is primarily composed of limestone, which dominates the surface geology. However, historical records indicate the presence of various minerals in these areas:

Lead: Rich lead ore has been identified in the barony of Burren, specifically at locations like Glenvaan and Lemenagh. A notable find near Ballylicky, close to Quin, in 1834, revealed high-quality, productive lead ore shipped to Wales.
Copper: Copper pyrites have been noted in several parts of Burren, though attempts to mine copper ore at Glenvaan were unsuccessful.
Manganese: Found at Kilcredane Point near Carrigaholt Castle, Newhall, and Fierd near Cross, where it forms on rocks by the sea.
Silver and Precious Metals: Historical manuscripts suggest silver was mined near O’Loughlin’s castle in Burren during the time of James I. There are also indications of precious metals in the region.
Gold and Silver: Prospecting licenses have been issued for gold and silver in northeast Clare, including areas like Flagmount and surrounding townlands (e.g., Maghera, Caher, Doorus East, Knockanena, Leaghort, and Lough Graney).
Other Minerals: Antimony, ochres, clays for pottery, and fluor spar have been found in small quantities. Limestone and black marble (e.g., at Craggleith near Ennis) are also significant, with the latter being highly polishable.

Mining Leases and Prospecting Licenses

In Ireland, mineral exploration and mining are regulated by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. Prospecting Licenses (PLs) cover approximately 35 square kilometers and are defined by townland boundaries. As of recent data, over 2,000 Prospecting Licence Areas (PLAs) exist across Ireland, including County Clare.

Current Licenses: Specific details on active mining leases in Corcomroe, Inchiquin, or Burren are not fully detailed in the provided sources. However, Hannan Metals Ltd. holds 100% ownership of the County Clare Zn-Pb-Ag-Cu project, which likely includes parts of these baronies, targeting zinc, lead, silver, and copper.
Historical Licensing: In 2006, prospecting licenses were issued for gold and silver in northeast Clare (Flagmount area) and for silver and base metals in other Clare townlands like Bunratty, Keelderry, Newtown, and Ballymacdonnell. Central Mining Finance Ltd. was involved in these activities.
Available Data: The Irish government provides an online map with current license holder information for all Prospecting Licence Areas, which can be accessed at: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/306e8-view-mineral-exploration-and-mining-maps-reports-and-data/. This resource includes details on licensed minerals such as base metals, barytes, gold, silver, and others.

Challenges and Considerations

Environmental Concerns: The Burren is a protected area with rich biodiversity and unique karst landscapes. Environmental campaigners have resisted mining activities due to potential ecological damage, which could limit new leases or operations.
Historical Mining: Most recorded mining in Clare dates to the 19th and early 20th centuries, with limited modern activity. The lack of recent production records suggests that many sites may not be economically viable or have not been fully explored.
Access to Leases: For current or prospective mining leases, you would need to consult the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications or check the aforementioned online map for specific townlands and license holders. The process typically involves applying for a Prospecting Licence, which may lead to a mining lease if workable deposits are confirmed.

Townlands and Specific Locations

The baronies of Corcomroe, Inchiquin, and Burren include numerous townlands, but specific townlands with workable minerals mentioned in historical records include:

Burren: Glenvaan, Lemenagh, Ballylicky (near Quin).
Northeast Clare (potentially Inchiquin or Corcomroe): Maghera, Caher, Doorus East, Knockanena, Leaghort, and areas around Lough Graney.
General Burren Region: Sites near O’Loughlin’s castle and coastal areas like Kilcredane Point.

For precise townland-level data, the online map from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications is essential, as it delineates PLAs by townland boundaries.

Recommendations

To pursue mining lease options in these baronies:

Check Current Licenses: Use the government’s online map (https://www.gov.ie/en/service/306e8-view-mineral-exploration-and-mining-maps-reports-and-data/) to identify active Prospecting Licence Areas in Corcomroe, Inchiquin, and Burren, and contact license holders for potential partnerships or lease opportunities.
Contact Authorities: Reach out to the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications for details on applying for new prospecting licenses or mining leases.
Environmental Compliance: Given the ecological sensitivity of the Burren, ensure compliance with environmental regulations and engage with local communities to address concerns.
Historical Research: Review historical mining records at the Clare Heritage and Genealogy Centre or the Geological Survey of Ireland (www.gsi.ie) (www.gsi.ie) for insights into past mineral finds in specific townlands.

Conclusion

While Corcomroe, Inchiquin, and Burren have historical evidence of workable minerals like lead, copper, manganese, silver, and gold, current mining lease options are less clear due to limited recent activity and environmental protections. The best approach is to consult the Irish government’s mineral exploration map and engage with regulatory bodies for up-to-date information on available leases and townlands with viable mineral deposits.